Author Archives: Quinn Taylor

Why Vancouver was a perfect ending for this iconic pop stars world tour

Posted on by

If you were anywhere near downtown Vancouver in December 2024, you felt it. The air just changed. Usually, when I’m on the Skytrain, it’s just a sea of people in raincoats staring at their phones, but for three nights, it was a sea of sequins, friendship bracelets, and a level of energy I’ve never seen in this city. 

Compared to others I’m definitely not the biggest Taylor Swift fan. But, for the week that BC dawned a massive Swifty themed friendship bracelet, it was hard not to be. It didn’t feel like just another concert, it felt like Vancouver was finally the center of the world. Literally, there’s stories of people spending thousands to get the chance to see her final stop on the Era’s tour, not to mention the full documentary crew following the tour.

As a Vancouverite it’s very hard to not feel a little cocky that the biggest tour in human history chose our city to take its final bow. But, seriously, how could you not? Despite its many amazing features and history Vancouver commonly gets overlooked as a major city. So when the biggest pop artist of my generation chooses BC Place as her final stop in her iconic tour, your Vancouver pride should shine bright.

What’s even wilder is that if you watch the final cuts of her tour documentary and the footage used to archive the “Era,” you see Vancouver. You see the North Shore mountains in the background of the B-roll. You see the fans lined up outside the stadium in the rain. You can even see the BC Lions logo on the side of BC Place.

 

On the final night of the tour, I went to a Canucks game in Vancouver around the same time as the final show. I remember walking past BC Place on my way home and seeing people who had traveled from literally all over the world just to be near the building. It reminded me of the stories about the 2010 Olympics or even 1986 expo. Vancouver being the centre of the world.

In the end, having the Eras Tour featured in her documentary with Vancouver as the closing chapter is a permanent record of what we’re capable of. It’s not just trivia; it’s a reminder that even in a city that can feel corporate, 60,000 people screaming the lyrics to my favourite “22″ is about as real as it gets. It proves that whether it’s a DIY garage show in East Van or the literal biggest tour in history, this city has a soul. You just have to be there to hear it.



Did you know this crazy connection The Beatles had to Vancouver?

Posted on by

I bet you probably didn’t know about the Beatles one and only time The Beatles performed in Vancouver. 

August 22, 1964, The Beatles performed at Empire Stadium, marking their first-ever appearance in Canada. Although the show wasn’t remembered just for the music, but for a level of Beatlemania that local authorities were completely unprepared to handle. Over 20,000 fans packed the stadium, while thousands more gathered outside on the PNE grounds just to hear the audio echoing from the north end of the field.

The evening was hosted by legendary local DJ Red Robinson. By the time the Fab Four took the stage at 9:23 PM, the atmosphere had reached a breaking point. Witnesses described the noise of the crowd as an “atavistic roar”. It’s not like today when an artist performs and they have the audio in their ear, back then a loud crowd would make it nearly impossible for the band to hear their own instruments through their small Vox amplifiers. As soon as the first chords of “Twist and Shout” hit, hundreds of fans began climbing over the two rows of fencing and charging the stage.

The situation became so dangerous that both the Vancouver Chief of Police and the band’s manager, Brian Epstein, ordered Red Robinson to go onstage and calm the crowd. Robinson’s interruption was famously met with hostility from John Lennon, who shouted at him to get off the stage, unaware that his own management had sanctioned the move. After Robinson pointed out the police and Epstein gesturing frantically from the wings, Lennon realized the severity of the situation and told him to “carry on, mate.”

The Beatles performed a total of 11 songs, including “She Loves You,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “A Hard Day’s Night.” However, due to the escalating risk of a riot and the crushing of fans at the front barriers, the set was cut short. After only 27 minutes of performance, the band was rushed off the stage and into a waiting limousine, which was escorted by police motorcycle outriders to the airport before the final notes had even finished echoing in the stadium.

Despite the briefness of the show, it remains a definitive moment in the city’s cultural history. It was the only outdoor stadium show on their 1964 North American tour and set the template for the massive stadium concerts that would follow in the decades to come as well as display the passion that Vancouver residents have for music.



How does Michael Bublè have a connection to Shohei Ohtani?

Posted on by

Imagine this. You’re a BC native watching the world’s greatest athlete pitch a baseball game surrounded by 50,000 fans at Dodgers Stadium. It’s not just any baseball game, rather game 3 of the World Series, and both baseball teams are tied. Your natural reaction is to boo, as you are cheering for your home country’s only MLB team, the Toronto Blue Jays. But as you watch the pitcher make his way to the mound, you recognize his walk up song as a song sung by one of North Burnaby’s most talented residents Michael Bublè.

This is a scenario that actually happened to thousands of BC residents and Canadian Bublè fans during last year’s World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. As world renowned baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s walk out song is Bublè’s hit cover “Feeling good”.

The cover was released in 2004 by Bublè and was automatically a smash hit seeing over 700,0000 streams on spotify as well as over 400,0000 views on Youtube. But naturally a song that was released over 20 years ago dies out a little and won’t be seen on the charts as time progresses. That is until 20 years later when arguably the best baseball player ever in Shohei Ohtani, had his wife ask him if he could choose “Feeling Good” as his walk out song for every time he makes his way to hit or pitch.

Like many BC Bublè fans who are proud to call him our own, Bublè admits he felt conflicted when he first heard it. Yes, this great athlete is using his song to walk out but, it’s against Canada’s only baseball team in the World Series.

Would you feel conflicted? It’s okay if you do, because that’s exactly how Bublè felt himself.

“I’m a Canadian patriot, but. But, I can’t believe I am a part of the history with Shohei” Said Michale Bublè on the Stephan A Smith podcast when asked about his conflicting feelings.

Personally I think that Shohei walking out to “Feeling Good” is a very cool thing and should be celebrated by Canadians. It’s not like Shohei is a bad guy. He’s very well respected and has gained a reputation of being a class act. Not to mention that as the legend of Shohei grows and more people start watching him, that means that more people will hear an amazing song sung by an amazing BC artist who is proud of his roots.

 



33 Million Views and Counting, why Harkirat Sangha is BC’s Biggest Secret

Posted on by

In the world of BC music, we often measure success by how many people show up to a concert hall to watch. But if you look at the actual data, the biggest star in the province might be someone you’ve never seen on a local indie poster.

Harkirat Sangha is currently operating on a level that most artists can only dream of. While the traditional music industry is still catching up, the Surrey based artist has spent 2026 cementing his place as a global Punjabi music icon. The statistics aren’t just good for a local artist, rather they are dominant on a world stage.

As of this week, his hit single “Donali“ has officially surpassed 33 million views on YouTube. To put that into perspective, that is more views than almost any other BC-based artist has generated this entire year. And it’s not just a one hit wonder situation, his tracks “Karnatak” and “Gucci Gabhru” are both sitting comfortably with over 16 million views each.

What’s even more impressive is his international footprint. His latest project, Interstellar, is currently appearing on the Spotify and Apple Music charts in India and Pakistan. It’s a reminder that the BC Sound in 2026 isn’t just one specific genre. Currently in BC there are over 350,000 citizens of Punjabi descent. So it’s safe to say that the market for a Punjabi music has never been higher in the province. Sangha’s music proves that the BC music scene is a diverse, globalized powerhouse that is reaching millions of people across the ocean.

We often talk about how hard it is to “make it” in the Canadian music scene, but Sangha has bypassed the old gatekeepers entirely. By leaning into the massive global Punjabi diaspora and focusing on high energy, high-production visuals, he’s built a career that is essentially “uncancelable.”

Whether you understand the lyrics or not, you can’t argue with 33 million people. Harkirat Sangha isn’t just an “up and coming” artist anymore, he’s the gold standard for how to build a global brand from your own backyard.



Guns n’ Roses set to take the stage at BC Place this summer.

Posted on by

On August 29, 2026, Vancouver will be welcoming Guns N’ Roses back to the city that is a jungle. Guns N’ Roses are returning to BC Place, and the timing couldn’t be better. As the final major stadium rock show of the summer, it serves as the ultimate loud and heavy send off for the season.

While rock n roll critics have been trying to label rock as dead, the data for the 2026 World Tour tells a different story. In an era where many artists struggle to fill a theater, Axl, Slash, and Duff are still moving 50,000 tickets in a single night. Perhaps most surprising is the price point. 

Many BC rock n roll fans felt turned away when the prices for AC/DC in August were announced. But those folks shouldn’t worry, as for Guns N’ Roses we’ll see seats starting at $65.05, Guns and Roses is currently undercutting almost every other major stadium tour in BC, proving that “the biggest show in town” doesn’t always have to be the most expensive. 

If you’re heading to the show, the main draw isn’t just nostalgia, it’s the sheer endurance of the performance. On this 2026 run, the band has been consistently clocking in at over three hours per night. For the crowd, this is a chance to see Slash, widely considered one of the final remaining “guitar heroes” deliver solos that are as technically proficient today as they were in 1987.

Logistically, the August 29 date is a Saturday night, which means the Granville Entertainment District is going to be essentially one giant afterparty. Given that the band notoriously plays long past sunset, expect the energy at BC Place to peak around 10:00 p.m. when the stadium roof is open and the city is at its warmest.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just want to see if the legends can still hold a stadium captive, this is the one date on the calendar you can’t afford to skip.


PNE Amphitheatre new setlist revealed!

Posted on by

Set to open June 5th 2026, the new PNE Amphitheatre (Freedom Mobile Arch) will bring a new state of the art open air venue to Vancouver. The theatre will hold a capacity of 10,000 seats and allow performers to share their talents under the iconic mass timber canopy. 

Of course, the amphitheatre will have to be broken in by music performers and fans. And Vancouver locals will get the chance to see that this August for the PNE’s Summer Concert Series. 

Yesterday, it was announced via a PNE press release the first five of ten performers for the concert series, with performers for people of all music tastes.

The series opens with two Canadian rock group veterans. 

To lead off, Blue Rodeo will take the stage. They’ll be followed by The Guess Who, who are set to reunite members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman on stage for the first time in over two decades. An old school vibe for the start with two bands who helped shape Canadian music now helping launch a brand new venue.

But the programming quickly shifts into newer territory.

The Beaches bring their modern alt-rock energy to the stage, while global hip hop icon Nelly headlines the following night with a catalogue of early 2000s hits. And although the amphitheater is outdoors, Nelly will surely find a way to make it “Hot in here”. 

Electronic producer Zedd closes out the announced slate so far, adding a more dynamic and unique sound to the series .

On paper, it’s a lineup that spans decades and genres. In practice, it will gather a broad diverse crowd to the venue’s first concert series.

Fair admission included in every ticket and prices starting as low as $49. The concert series hopes to position itself as one of the more affordable ways to see major artists in the city, while also getting the chance to experience the rides and games inside Playland. The PNE’s model combining amusement park energy with live performances creates a different kind of concert experience. It’s less formal, more flexible, and built around a full night outing rather than a single show.

Stay tuned as the PNE has announced that they will be announcing the next five performers sometime this week, with rumours circling that there could be some even bigger names.

 

Winona Forever a must see in the BC indie scene

Posted on by

If you’ve spent any time in the Vancouver indie scene over the last year, you’ve definitely heard the name Winona Forever. They’re a band that gives off a vibe, a kind of band that makes you feel like you’re living in a coming of age movie set right here in the Pacific Northwest.

One of my biggest gripes with a lot of indie bands is that they’ll often try way too hard to be dark and mysterious. Whereas, Winona Forever leans more into their authentic selves. Their music is this perfect blend of jangle-pop and sophistic pop, it’s catchy enough to hum along to on your first listen, but musically complex enough to keep you coming back.

They aren’t afraid to play everywhere, from tiny DIY spaces to bigger stages. In 2024 they went on their first tour, going as far as Fresno California. 

They have this incredible ability to capture the specific feeling of being young in BC right now. Their songs are often an emotional roller coaster with lyrics like “I’ve never been so into someone talking about gardening. Isn’t it weird” It’s that mix of glass half full and glass half empty that relates so heavily to younger adults.

What’s really cool is seeing them get the recognition they deserve outside of the province. Just this past year, they’ve been picked up by major tastemakers like KEXP and have been a staple on CBC Music. It’s proof that you don’t have to move to Toronto or LA to build a global following, you can do it right here with a loyal local fanbase and a sound that feels authentic to where you’re from.

If you’re looking for a band to soundtrack your drive up the Sea-to-Sky or your next afternoon at Spanish Banks, this is it. They represent the best of what the BC indie scene is right now, talented, unpretentious, and consistently great.

Next time you see their name on a poster at the Biltmore or the Rickshaw, buy the ticket. They’re one of those bands that you’ll want to be able to say you saw “before they were huge.”

 

The nightclub that shakes the city

Posted on by

If you say you’re a fan of the BC music scene and have never been to, then you’re actually lying. 

For the people who have gone, there’s always the same reaction. It’s usually about three songs in, the headliner drops a heavy beat, and suddenly the entire floor starts moving.

I’m not talking about the crowd jumping, I’m talking about the actual floor beneath your feet genuinely bouncing like a trampoline.

If you’re like me, the first time you felt it, you probably wondered if the building was about to collapse. But that “bounce” is actually a piece of Vancouver history that almost didn’t survive the 90s.

The secret is that the Commodore has a “sprung” floor. Back in 1929, the builders used an innovative technique of layering the shiplap dance floor atop a bed of tires stuffed with horsehair to absorb impact. Today, it’s one of the last of its kind in North America. It’s the reason why a show at the Commodore feels ten times more energetic than a show at a sterile arena like Rogers.

But we almost lost it. Back in July 1996, the venue actually shut down due to a lease dispute. For three years, the most iconic stage in the city sat silent and assaulted with graffiti. People genuinely thought it was gone forever. Aaron Chapman, who wrote the book on the venue, noted that those were “desolate” years where major tours skipped Vancouver because there just wasn’t an appropriate room to play.

Thankfully, it reopened in 1999 with a performance by Blue Rodeo, but it serves as a reminder that we can’t take these local spots for granted. It’s honestly a guaranteed night of enjoyment. There’s a reason why legends like U2 (who famously played “I Will Follow” twice in 1981 because they didn’t have enough songs) and The Ramones call it one of the best places to play in the world.

When you’re there, you aren’t just watching a concert, you’re part of a tradition of BC nightlife that survived the Great Depression and a three year dark period in the 90s.

Next time you’re there and you feel that floor start to give way, don’t worry about the structural integrity. Just lean into it. There’s nowhere else in the province that feels quite like it.

Barnside Harvest Festival 2026 Brings Marianas Trench, Kim Mitchell, and Smash Mouth to Delta This September

Posted on by

If you’re like me and are an enjoyer of local music festivals, then look no further than the Barnside Harvest Festival, as it has officially unveiled its 2026 lineup, which includes stars from multiple genres such as Smash Mouth, Big Wreck, Tom Cochrane, Kim Mitchell, and JJ Wilde.

It was announced April 14th that the lower mainland event will return to Paterson Park in Ladner from September 11-13th.

This year will be the fourth year that the festival has taken place, and each year has seen a rise in popularity. Last year the festival saw over 3,0000 attendees over the three day event, with a total of over 8,0000 since its inaugural year in 2023. The festival has rapidly become one of the lower mainland’s most significant events, with organizers even going as far as saying that this year will raise the bar once again, with two headliners scheduled each night across the three days.

The general manager of Barnside Brewing Co raved about the upcoming event, and mentioned how grateful she and her staff are to the City of Delta for supporting the event.

“We’re thrilled that Barnside Harvest Festival has been so well received for three consecutive years, so we’re raising the bar and presenting two headliners each night. With thanks again to the City of Delta, city staff, plus the many sponsors and supporting organizations, we’re truly excited about the 2026 lineup and look forward to celebrating with the community.”

The festival will be set to open on a Friday and will open with one of Canada’s most awarded pop-rock bands, Marianas Trench. Known for having multiple platinum records as well as seven Juno Awards the band will be a must watch to open the event on the first night. It won’t only be their first night, as other big names like JJ Wilde will join the band on stage.

Over the past three years of the festival, Saturday has always been the largest attended date, with last year seeing nearly 13,000 music fans.

This year’s Saturday will see a star studded crew with the likes of globally recognized band Smash Mouth and well known rock band Big Wreck.  Although having American ties, Big Wreck is known to acknowledge their Canadian roots with lead vocalist and guitarist Ian Thornley having grown up in Canada.

For the closing Sunday, the festival will see two Canadian rock legends in Tom Cochrane and Kim Mitchell. Cochrane, known most for his hit song Life Is a Highway. The rock n roller has been on tour all of 2026 and will be finishing performing for the year and the Barnside Harvest Festival. Kim Mitchell, a three time Juno Award winner as well as a Canadian Song Writers Hall of Fame inductee, will be a large part of the finals day headline as the event will focus on classic Canadian rock identity.

Beyond the headliners, the festival features a wide supporting lineup spanning rock, country, and roots artists, along with local attractions including the BC Craft Beer Corner, artisan market, food trucks, and community programming. Stages include the Barnside Brewing Main Stage, Dueck Cadillac Stage, and City of Delta Stage.

Tickets go on pre-sale for newsletter subscribers ahead of the general on-sale April 17 at 8 a.m., with early bird discounts available and free admission for children 10 and under.

With its mix of legacy acts and rising talent, Barnside 2026 continues to position itself as a festival that bridges generations bringing classic rock icons, modern Canadian acts, and local BC culture together in one weekend.

 

Winona Forever a BC indie band

Posted on by

If you’ve spent any time in the Vancouver indie scene over the last year, you’ve definitely heard the name Winona Forever. They’re a band that gives off a vibe, a kind of band that makes you feel like you’re living in a coming of age movie set right here in the Pacific Northwest.

One of my biggest gripes with a lot of indie bands is that they’ll often try way too hard to be dark and mysterious. Whereas, Winona Forever leans more into their authentic selves. Their music is this perfect blend of jangle-pop and sophistic pop, it’s catchy enough to hum along to on your first listen, but musically complex enough to keep you coming back.

They aren’t afraid to play everywhere, from tiny DIY spaces to bigger stages. In 2024 they went on their first tour, going as far as Fresno California. 

They have this incredible ability to capture the specific feeling of being young in BC right now. Their songs are often an emotional roller coaster with lyrics like “I’ve never been so into someone talking about gardening. Isn’t it weird” It’s that mix of glass half full and glass half empty that relates so heavily for young adults.

What’s really cool is seeing them get the recognition they deserve outside of the province. Just this past year, they’ve been picked up by major tastemakers like KEXP and have been a staple on CBC Music. It’s proof that you don’t have to move to Toronto or LA to build a global following, you can do it right here with a loyal local fanbase and a sound that feels authentic to where you’re from.

If you’re looking for a band to soundtrack your drive up the Sea-to-Sky or your next afternoon at Spanish Banks, this is it. They represent the best of what the BC indie scene is right now, talented, unpretentious, and consistently great.

Next time you see their name on a poster at the Biltmore or the Rickshaw, buy the ticket. They’re one of those bands that you’ll want to be able to say you saw “before they were huge.”